"I realize that Dancing won't be on air forever," Burke says. "I'm taking this opportunity now to develop shows. I met with different high-powered producers, companies and networks about possibly doing new shows, and The Bachelorette happened to be one of them."

The 28-year-old adds that "nothing is confirmed" regarding any new project, but she is interested in handing out roses on her fellow ABC reality hit after enduring a string of unsuccessful dating prospects recently. "I think it would be a way for me to focus on a way to find true love. It sounds cliché, but it's true," she says. "I want to be in a relationship. I've been so married to my work lately that it's been a struggle to find a boyfriend, or find someone to talk to. I haven't had a proper date in two, three years."

ABC had no comment, but a source tells E! that Bachelorette producers would "never" cast Burke because they prefer "real people," not celebrities.But Burke isn't worried if The Bachelorette doesn't pan out. "If I don't do The Bachelorette, I'm sure I'll be doing something else very soon," she says.